Are there links between opioid painkillers and heroin addiction?

Opioids generally are prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Opioids are frequently misused because they can create euphoria in addition to pain relief. Regular use of opioids, even as medicine, increases the tolerance level and causes dependency. As the dependence on opioids gradually increases, one has to increase the intake of the opioid dose to achieve the same amount of pleasure or pain relief. When a person’s tolerance level increases and surpasses the prescription, opioids are often substituted by heroin. Heroin is more potent than prescription opioids and only needs a small amount to feel the euphoric effects. Over time, heroin, initially used as a substitute substance, can gradually become necessary to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Eventually, the person gets addicted to heroin and falls under the trap of heroin dependence. Unfortunately, this scenario occurs too often, and an individual that began prescription opioids to treat pain can become addicted to heroin.